Protecting the Rain Wolves

For months this summer Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen followed these elusive and mysterious wolves for a feature in National Geographic. The Rain Wolves of British Columbia are believed to be a distinct subspecies of wolf that predominantly eat seafood, including mussels, salmon, and even sea lions, that they forage for at low tide.

Today, there are no protected areas set aside in British Columbia for wolves to fulfill their roles as apex predators in ecosystems. These incredibly efficient predators help turn the complex ecological gears that allow a healthy rainforest to exist. This year alone 84 wolves were killed from helicopters. Pacific Wild is working to protect these remarkable animals.

British Columbia

Cristina Mittermeier, Artisan Of Imagery

"Photographing animals in the wild can be challenging, so I need cameras that can keep up and only Sony α cameras can"

Cristina Mittermeier’s work revolves around nature, primarily focusing on stories about conservation of biodiversity, particularly in the oceans. She is currently working on two stories for National Geographic on the coast of British Columbia and will be traveling to Antarctica in the Fall.

She has recently been named Director of Por el Planeta, the largest conservation and nature photography competition in the world, sponsored by Televisa Mexico and the Mexican Ministry of Culture.

Speaking about the equipment she uses, Mittermeier stated: “My Sony camera is an extension of my creative mind. The way it allows me to intuitively and seamlessly translate what I see in my mind’s eye to perfectly exposed, sharp and dynamic images, makes it the perfect tool for me.”

About / Biography

Photographer and conservationist Cristina Mittermeier uses her camera as a passport to document the complex issues where conservation of wild nature and human needs intersect. Her subjects range from indigenous people of the Amazon to climate change and ocean conservation. Cristina uses her passion for photography to influence the fate of our planet’s natural resources and is now a Sony Artisan of Imagery, one of only nine photographers representing Sony's new cameras.

Among many other awards and recognitions has been named 2010 Nature’s Best Conservation Photographer of the Year and is the recipient of the 2010 North American Nature Photographers Association Mission Award. Outdoor Photographer magazine selected her as one of the 40 most influential nature photographers of our generation for her contributions to the creation of the discipline known as conservation photography.

She has edited 20 coffee table books on conservation for CEMEX and this year she will author her first book with National Geographic, Sublime Nature: Photographs that Awe and Inspire.

Her images have been exhibited by museums and organizations around the world and are represented by National Geographic Creative. Cristina is the founder and former President of the prestigious International League of Conservation Photographers, a consortium of some of the best photographers on the planet who are actively working for conservation. Today, Cristina heads the newly founded organization Sea Legacy, whose mission is to use the power of photography to promote the protection of our oceans.

Interview

If you could su­­­­­m up your work in one word or one sentence, what would that be?I want to make amazing images so that people take notice and start caring about our planet, the wildlife and the indigenous people with whom we share it.

What is the most remarkable person, place or thing you have ever photographed and why?I recently photographed my life partner, Paul Nicklen, who is a photographer, adventurer, explorer, naturalist and passionate conservationist. He inspires me to create work that has deep meaning and carries a message of hope for our beautiful planet.

Talk to us about your bucket list... what is on the top of that list of things to photograph?If I only had one year to live I would want to spend it traveling and having memorable experiences in nature. I want to dive in the reefs of Raja Ampat, I want to swim with leopard seals in Antarctica, I want to sail alongside whales in the Gulf of California, I want to know that my images made a difference.

If you had not become a photographer, what might you be today?I would still be a conservationist and a public speaker, maybe more focused on science.

Give us your thoughts about the Global Imaging Ambassadors program?Supporting the work of passionate artists is one of the most valuable ways a global corporation can enhance its brand.

What is your favorite Sony camera of the moment (explain why)?I love the way the a7R feels in my hands and how easy it is to operate and handle.